Ceramics and Glazed Tile

Objects such as glazed tiles, plates, pots, vases made mainly with clay are called ceramics. There are three categories for ceramic objects with regards to the soil types or methods that are used: terra cotta objects, glazed tiles and porcelain.

Glazed tiles, which is one of the traditional Turkish arts was mainly used for embellishing architectural structures. First glazed tile examples belong to the Karahanlı period (founders of the first Turkish-Muslim State) which proves that this art has a history that goes beyond a thousand years. The art of glazed tile improved continuously in parallel with Turkish Anatolian architecture. Wall glazed tiles used in architecture were called kaşi, while those used on items such as vases, cups, pitchers and similar ceramic objects were named evani. The art of glazed tile has constantly improved during the Ottoman era with innovations in patterns, colors and techniques. In the 16th century when this art form has reached its peak, the main centers of Turkish glazed tiles were Iznik and Kütahya. Çanakkale ceramics appeared with its regional differences in the 18th century. Afterwards, Iznik was no longer considered as a glazed tile and ceramics center.

Within terra cotta objects, porcelain has been the latest field within Turkish art. In the mid 19th century a porcelain factory was founded in the Golden Horn where the production of porcelain has started under the name of Eser-i İstanbul (Works of art of Istanbul). Yıldız Porcelain factory was founded under the rule of Abdülhamit II within the Yıldız Palace.